Laurel Independence Day Parade, Fireworks Set for July 5

From a news release:

Laurel’s Independence Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 5.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Sixth and Montgomery Streets.

Fireworks will take place at dusk in Granville Gude Park at 8300 Mulberry St. in Laurel. Parking will be challenging because of the Towne Centre Laurel construction so carpool, use public transportation, and plan ahead, officials urge.

Some roads in the city will be closed for the festivities.

Sixth Street will close at 9 a.m. for parade contestants to begin lining up. All other roads along the route will close as parade participants begin their procession from Sixth and Montgomery Street, heading east on Montgomery, and then south on Fourth Street to Cherry Lane where they will disperse.

Prior to the fireworks, Eastbound Cherry Lane at Ashford Boulevard will close at 1 p.m. At 5 p.m., Westbound Cherry Lane at Route 1 will close in preparation for the fireworks.

This closure is mandated by the State and County Fire Marshal’s Offices to make sure no one comes in contact with fallout from the fireworks display at Laurel Lakes. No vehicular or pedestrian traffic will be allowed into the area until after the fireworks display is over and the area is policed for fallout debris. That will likely be at 11 pm.

Fireworks spectators are encouraged to arrive early and leave by alternate routes.

For more information, contact the 4th of July Committee at 301-725-5300 x 2444 or the Department of Public Works at 301-725-0088.

Leave Fireworks to the Pros

Selling, possessing, or using any type of fireworks within the city limits of Laurel and Prince George’s County could mean confiscation and fines up to $250.

All consumer fireworks are banned in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City.

Laurel Fire Marshal Dave Cope and other City Inspectors will be canvassing all areas of the city during the Independence Day Celebration on July 5 in Granville Gude Park to make sure no fireworks are being used or sold.

If you happen to find fireworks, don’t touch them.And if you see someone selling or using fireworks, call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 301-725-5300 x 2238. After 5 pm and on weekends, call the Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092.